Hampshire, credit Visit Portsmouth
There is nothing like the unique atmosphere of a music festival, and a growing number of festival goers are heading to the South East to experience their favourite bands and artists at some of the top music festivals in the UK.
Whether you're camping for the weekend or just going for the day, you will be spoilt for choice with a huge range of rock, dance and pop music on offer throughout the year.
Take a look at the event highlights below as we will guide you through the best music festivals 2025 in South East England.
Isle of Wight Festival, (19 - 22 June 2025) returns in June 2025. The award winning Isle of Wight Festival is steeped in history and famed for mixing iconic legendary artists with the hottest up and coming acts - this year welcoming Sting, Stereophonics and Justin Timberlake.
If you're looking for something spiritual then Oxfordshire's Wilderness Festival is taking place at the end of July (31 July - 3 August 2025) at Cornbury Park . Spread across four days the festival is ideal for nature lovers and not only does it have fantastic live music but offers contemporary arts, an array of theatre and craftsmanship.
Portsmouth’s Victorious Festival (22 - 24 August 2025) offers off site camping with a free shuttle bus to and from the site. The Farlington campsite has different zooms including a family friendly area, with ties it the festivals large Kids arena - shortlist in the UK Festival Awards for Best Family Festival in 2015, 2016 & 2018. Head along this year to see artists such as Queens of the Stone Age and Kings of Leon.
Arguably one of the most popular festivals in the UK is Berkshire's Reading Festival (21 - 24 August 2025). Taking place on August Bank holiday weekend, the three-day music event traditionally attracts some of the best rock bands in the world despite having more dance acts in recent years. This year artists include Limp Bizkit, Hozier, Bring Me The Horizon, Travis Scott and many more!
If sleeping conditions are not for you then don’t worry as there are several festivals offering ‘Glamping’ which is a more comfortable way of experiencing a festival or if you're looking to stay nearby, check out our accommodation listings.
Many of the mainstream festivals are well known and a must do, for any regular festival goer. However, there are a whole host of other smaller UK music festivals, concerts and events celebrating different styles and genre that are ideal for the general music lovers. Here are some of our top pics from across the destination showcasing a mix of UK music including alternative rock, jazz, folk and classical. You can find others on the events pages which you can explore by county.
Number of results: 43
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Music
Bexhill on Sea
The Bexhill Festival of Music presents a programme full of events celebrating internationally renowned performers, live music and local talent.
Festival
Faversham
Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th August 2025
Open: 10am – 5pm
Brogdale Cider Festival: Exciting new layout for 2025! Enjoy local ciders, music and family fun. Free shuttle bus to and from Faversham station.
Savour the summer while you sample…
Music
Maidstone
This iconic event is a highlight of the summer season, set in the most spectacular location and natural amphitheatre in front of the beautiful Leeds Castle, said to be the loveliest castle in the world. People in their thousands have attended the…
Festival
Windsor
Each year the world’s finest musicians, writers, artists, and local performers entertain and delight festival audiences, celebrate Windsor's special place as a Royal town, and to inspire the next generation of artistic talent and creativity.
Food
Dorking
Join us for a relaxing afternoon on the lawn at Denbies Wine Estate with live music from different musicians
Festival
Cornbury Park, Charlbury
Wilderness is the multi-award winning 4-day festival combining live music, contemporary arts, and an array of theatre, craftsmanship,p and dining experiences. It's a rich tapestry of musicians, chefs, thinkers, actors, outdoor experts, and teachers.
Festival
Lewes
The Love Supreme Jazz Festival is a three-day greenfield music festival held annually on the first weekend of July in Glynde Place in the South Downs of East Sussex. It includes a spectrum of musical styles adjacent to jazz, such as funk, soul,…
Music
Margate
Margate Soul Weekender the ultimate celebration of world-class music, vibrant performances, and soulful connection.
Set against Margate's stunning seaside backdrop, this will include the biggest and best lineup yet!
Music
Winchester,
Part of Winchester Jazz Festival
Direct from London's world-famous jazz club and combining world class live jazz, narration and rare archive photos and video footage, The Ronnie Scott's All Stars return to Winchester with a brand-new programme of…
Free Event
Southampton
TAPESTRY Music Festival, comes to Southampton this summer.
A brand-new free festival celebrating world-class music and culture takes inspiration from the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen, TAPESTRY reimagines her love of folk music with a modern,…
Music
Petworth
The Petworth Summer Festival returns in 2025, held across 10 venues in and around the historic town of Petworth, West Sussex this event runs from the 17th July - 2nd August. Started 40 years ago it celebrates music including jazz, contemporary, and…
Music
Cobham
Painshill Live Music Lates return for Summer 2025
Listen to a live band in the beautiful surroundings of The Great Lawn at the top of the historical vineyard.
On these summer evenings Painshill will be open 5.30pm until 9pm (last entry 8pm) so you…
Arts
Ramsgate
Celebrating Ramsgate through sound, art, performance and community
Festivals
Basingstoke
Carfest South will be returning to Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire in August as One Big Carfest. The 2,500 acres farm, near Overton, is owned by ex-racing driver and 1979 Formula 1 World Champion Jody Scheckter.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Abingdon
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Day of Fun and Music in the Park!
Join us in the beautiful Abbey Gardens for this year's Fun and Music in the Park — a jam-packed day full of energy, entertainment, and excitement for the whole family!
The…
Music
Gosport
3 stages of music and cabaret, with well over 60 top acts.. Award winning world street food, Wellbeing and healing area, burlesque, Rock School and kids activities and entertainment, and more…
Festival
Maidenhead
This August, Maidenhead Festival brings you Live and Local: Summer Sounds — a celebration of music, sunshine, and community spirit right in the heart of town.
Festivals
Basingstoke
The fantastically successful award-winning Basingstoke Festival returns this summer. This event is a must for your calendar and is a fantastic opportunity for those living or visiting Hampshire over the summer.
Music
Brighton
Boasting four huge stages of music, the biggest '00s and '90s bands, artists and DJs from around the world, funfair rides, a '90s arcade, Retro Bars, an RnB Roller Disco, Gormet Street Food, Exclusive VIP area and so much more, this is the ultimate…
Music
Deal
Enjoy this year's annual Deal Music and Arts Festival, which takes over the town of Deal in Kent for ten days this July.
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